In my neck of the woods, the trees are painting the neighborhoods and highways with beautiful hues of orange, yellow, burgundy, and red.

This Fall foliage puts on quite a show. Trees bursting with color as they dance alone or in a group, always in harmony with the breeze. The single leaf which spirals down or dances wildly with others until gathering in picturesque arrangements on the lawns, complemented by colorful mums and pumpkins. 

Yesterday invited me to witness nature’s beauty as I drove long distances, zig zagging across two states, to arrive at my destination. 

My journey unfolded beneath overcast skies, dampening the potential to witness the brilliance of Fall’s beauty. Mapping my route, I chose the scenic path rather than the most efficient. I was at choice and content to take my time.

I travelled with speed along the highway, slowly meandered through country roads, and crept over a bridge barely wide enough for two vehicles. I was unexpectedly rerouted twice due to construction and a washed out bridge, adding time and miles to my journey. I encountered heavy traffic, wide open roads, slow moving drivers, and many traffic signals telling me to stop, go, or slow.

While I chose the destination and mapped my preferred route, the quality of this journey was determined by many unknown factors beyond my control. (Kinda like life).

Traveling home, I delighted in the otherworldly light streaming from the heavens and dispelling the gloom. Brightening everything, including my mood, this light highlighted the interconnected dance of the breeze, leaves, traffic, sparking water, and my breath. All flowing together in perfect harmony. This exquisite beauty was not dimmed by rush hour traffic, inconsistent drivers, or the inefficient route mapped by the computer in my car. 

Within this harmony, momentary frustration vanished in a breath and inner wisdom highlighted a route more efficient and pleasant.

It was not lost on me that my experience mimicked the movement of vital life force through my body. 

Your body’s functioning is informed by a complex network of energetic pathways. 

This energy matrix, which informs your wellbeing or dis-ease, is constructed of light pathways known as meridians and nadis. Intersecting within energy centers known as chakras aligned along your spine, above and below you, and within your hands and feet. 

You may imagine this energetic network of light to have its version of super highways, four lane roads, neighborhood streets, tiny alleys, and bridges galore. 

Growing up human naturally involves countless situations when this energetic system was overwhelmed by your physical, chemical, emotional, and relational experiences. Like that time the teacher embarrassed you in fourth grade or when your favorite pet died. When the family’s pain spilled over with emotion, addiction, physical harm, or absence. Every day that held too much for your system, for whatever reason, interfered with a clear “route” to process the energy associated with these events through your body.